What is a phase change?
A phase change is what happens when something goes from one state (solid, liquid or gas) to another, generally because of a temperature change.
What is fusion (melting)?
Going from a solid state to a liquid state.
What is freezing?
Going from a liquid state to a solid state
What is vaporization?
Going from a liquid state to a gaseous state.
What is boiling?
A fast form of vaporization.
What is evaporation?
A slow form of vaporization.
What is condensation?
Going from a gaseous state to a liquid state. Also called liquefaction.
What is sublimation?
Going directly from a solid state to a gaseous state, without going through a liquid state.
What is deposition?
Going directly from a gaseous state to a solid state, without going through a liquid state.
Are phase changes reversible?
Yes, all phase changes are reversible.
What happens during a plateau (straight line) on a phase change graph?
The temperature stays stable while the substance changes state.
What does melting point mean?
The temperature at which a substance goes from a solid state to a liquid state or vice versa.
What does boiling point mean?
The temperature at which a substance goes from a liquid state to a gaseous state or vice versa.
